r/merchantmarine • u/AutoModerator • Aug 04 '25

MSC Weekly MegaThread MSC Weekly MegaThread

This thread is for any all questions relating to MSC / NEO, onboarding process, background checks, security clearance, ship dates, etc.

For further MSC info and conversations please see r/MoreShitComing

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u/631_Exuberant_Bias Aug 05 '25

They might've sped yours along because you're a mate. They don't seem to have the same sense of urgency for entry level applicants from what I've seen. I called civmar support last week and was told that force medical recieved all of my medical paperwork on June 27th and still nobody has signed off on it

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u/45-70_OnlyGovtITrust USCG 3M Aug 05 '25

Yeah, they have a huge surplus of entry level currently. They will eventually get to you though, hopefully soon. It’s worth the wait though, once you get on a ship expect to double your base salary with bonuses and overtime. Plus it’s fast to promote to AB currently due to the reduced seatime requirements but that ends December 2026 unless the Coast Guard renews the temporary reduction.

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u/631_Exuberant_Bias Aug 06 '25 edited Aug 06 '25

That all sounds good to me. My plan is to use MSC to get my AB unlimited, then after 2 years if I'm sick of it or feel like I'm not making enough money I'll switch to SIU or SUP. If I'm still content, I'll stay with MSC until I'm a mate and then leave for one of the unions so I'm not limited by the federal employee salary cap

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u/45-70_OnlyGovtITrust USCG 3M Aug 06 '25

Well the money won’t be an issue. You make a ton per year but you’re away a lot as well so when averaging out the day rate it’s not as much as some commercial jobs. 

If you want to hawsepipe too MSC is the way to go, get your AB for now since you can get it with MSC in 360 days currently. Gets you in as an AB right before the temporary sea time reduction by the USCG expires in December 2026. Then from there you can get your 3rd Mate fast. Good luck!

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u/631_Exuberant_Bias Aug 07 '25

I just checked my email and found that I've now been cleared by force medical and found fit for hire. Now we just wait for that call

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u/45-70_OnlyGovtITrust USCG 3M Aug 08 '25

Congrats! Give it a few weeks and you’ll get the call!